Last updated 12.52 p.m. -

A group of about 50 anti-Gaddafi protesters has clashed with the police on the Rabat road after attempting to approach the Libyan embassy.

The group had been standing across the road from the embassy while Gaddafi supporters demonstrated in favour of the Libyan leader just outside the gates.

When the number of anti-Gaddafi protesters grew bigger, the Gaddafi supporters moved into the embassy. They are still there.

At this time the anti-Gaddafi group tried to cross the road to approach the embassy, but the police stopped them. Some of the protesters decided to sit down on the road, blocking it.

A number of clashes then occurred, with the police managing to push the group back. The road was reopened. A number of arrests were made.

Earlier, a police contingent positioned itself between the rival groups to prevent clashes. Two men were arrested when some stone-throwing took place.

The Gaddafi supporters arrived in front of the embassy in a bus from the Ta' Giorni Libyan school and immediately started shouting pro-Gaddafi slogans . They also shouted slogans against French President Sarkozy and the bombing of Libyan targets by the West. Some carried pictures of the Libyan leader.

The anti-Gaddafi protesters, initially numbered about 10, but their number soon increased to around 50. They carried Libyan monarchy flags and shouting insults against Gaddafi and the killing of Libyan people.

Individuals from the two groups approached each other several times but policemen kept them apart. The police also intervened when one of the Libyans turned up with eggs to throw at the rival group.The police presence was reinforced, with members of the Special Assignment Team and two Assistant Commissioners on the scene.

Meanwhile, security outside the French Embassy in Valletta has been stepped up. Some 10 policemen were seen outside the embassy in Melita Street and police barriers were put up.